Introduction

On 18 December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the year beginning on 1 January 2011 the International Year for People of African Descent (PDF). The Year aims at strengthening national action and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent. This includes their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil and political rights, their participation and integration in all political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society, and the promotion of a greater knowledge of and respect for their diverse heritage and culture.

Around 200 million people who identify themselves as being of African descent live in the Americas. Many millions more live in other parts of the world, outside of the African continent. In proclaiming this International Year, the international community is recognising that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected.

The main objective of the Year is to raise awareness of the challenges facing people of African descent. It is hoped that the Year will foster discussions that will generate proposals for solutions to tackle these challenges.

Fellowship ProgrammeThe Fellowship Programme will provide participants with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the UN human rights system, with a focus on issues of particular relevance to people of African descent.

LogoThe logo for the International Year for People of African Descent comes in all six official UN languages, in colour and black and white and in different formats for adaption to all situations. The look can be downloaded for use on your promotional materials.

Statements and messagesStatements by the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay and the Chair of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent.

ToolkitThis electronic toolkit offers practical resources designed to assist you tackle the issues related to people of African descent, during the International Year and beyond.

Information notesThe information notes offer an overview on people of African descent and their human rights concerns.

Feature storiesFeature stories about people of African descent and the work of the United Nations to promote and protect their human rights.

Related linksThe resources page provides links to other web pages of the United Nations system commemorating the International Year for People of African Descent.